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Cost of living pushing seniors back into workforce, B.C.

BySimon Little

HOME BUYERS – To get the best exclusive listings visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

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Click to play video: 'Surge in B.C. seniors wanting back into workforce'

Surge in B.C. seniors wanting back into workforce

Another sign of more and more people having trouble making ends meet. A Vancouver non-profit group says it’s seeing a surge in seniors asking for help to get back into the workforce. Travis Prasad reports.
Vancouver’s surging cost of living is having yet another unintended consequence — a growing number of seniors looking to get back into the workforce.

Vancouver non-profit Mission Possible, which helps connect people in precarious life situations with stable employment, says it’s seen a 55-per cent jump in the number of seniors looking for work compared to last year.

The organization says some are coming out of retirement, while others are putting off retirement because they can’t make ends meet without a paycheque.

Click to play video: 'Red-hot inflation leaves working Montreal senior with ‘nothing to save’'

Red-hot inflation leaves working Montreal senior with ‘nothing to save’

Edward Boe, 66, told Global News he’s working 20 hours a week at Mission Possible to keep a roof over his head.

“I’m making $1,540 on my pensions, old age and CPP. I’ve got rent of $800, expenses of $400. That would’ve left me with $200 a month,” he explained.

“I’d probably be living down here in the Downtown Eastside in an SRO, which thank God I’m not.”

Matthew Smedley, Mission Possible’s executive director and CEO, said that while many seniors are looking to work, they often find fewer opportunities than other job seekers.

“It can be extremely difficult for seniors to find work, there can be technological barriers, health barriers, maybe some extra flexibility needed for some folks and that can be challenging to make them feel like they’re able to get back into work,” he said.

Smedley said seniors aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure.

Mission Possible has seen a 165-per cent increase in people seeking help to get a job over last year.

The organization is calling on the province to increase services that help people get back into the workforce.

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8 Taylor Swift afterparties to dance the night away in Vancouver

ByDH Vancouver Staff

So you’re coming to Vancouver for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Or maybe you’re a local who didn’t cop tickets but still wants to partake in the fun. The night doesn’t end when Swift sings her final note. No, the weekend of December 6, 7, and 8 is set to be lively well past Midnight(s). Several bars, clubs, and restaurants have Swiftie-themed afterparties planned. Downtown’s Granville Entertainment District is sure to be bumping. And those looking for a genre change could also pick up tickets to see one of two electronic artists who are in town that weekend. Are you ready for it? Taylor Swift Welcome to Vancouver Party Our first item isn’t technically an afterparty — it’s a night to kick off your weekend in Vancouver. Named after a spin on the opening song of Swift’s 1989 album, this party at Gastown’s resident Irish pub promises its DJ will play Taylor’s songs all night long. The pub will have Eras Tour drink specials and prizes for the best costumes. Where: The Blarney Stone — 216 Carall Street When: Thursday, December 5 Time: 9:30 pm to 2 am How much: Tickets $10 End of an Era Tribute Enso Event Centre Swifties United is hosting what it bills as the ultimate Eras Tour afterparty at the Enso Event Centre on Saturday, December 7. The night celebrates the conclusion of the Eras Tour with Swift’s greatest hits, EDM tracks, top 40, and an immersive music video experience. Where: Enso Event Centre — 750 Pacific Boulevard When: Saturday, December 7 Time: 10 pm to 3 am How much: $47.27 via Eventbrite Cabana Lounge’s Eras Tour Un-Official Afterparty A hallmark of nightlife on the Granville Strip is hosting a Taylor-themed night on Saturday, December 7. Purchasing a ticket guarantees entrance without a cover charge. Where: Cabana Lounge — 1159 Granville Street When: Saturday, December 7 Time: 10:30 pm to 3 am How much: $12 tickets via Eventbrite Levels Nightclub The End of an Era This downtown clubbing staple is hosting a party to mark the true end of the Eras Tour on Sunday. “We will be playing the entire show, plus a few extra favourites that didn’t make the cut (some more Speak Now perhaps!),” the club says in its event description. Where: Levels Nightclub — 560 Seymour Street When: Sunday, December 8 Time: 9 pm to 1 am How much: Tickets for $23 via Eventbrite Yale Saloon Eras Tour Unofficial Afterparty This country-themed Granville bar is hosting a sendoff for Swift’s mega-popular tour every night she plays. It promises to let attendees Shake it Off one last time with the chance to win Taylor Swift merchandise. Plus, the bar has a mechanical bull. Where: Yale Saloon — 1300 Granville Street When: December 6, 7, and 8 Time: 8 pm to late How much:  Tickets from $15 to $110 D6 The Wrap Up The bar and lounge inside the Parq casino in Yaletown offers stunning skyline views. It’s hosting afterparties every night of the Eras Tour. Encore Rewards members can receive a free cowboy hat if they stop by Guest Services. “The scene will be decked out with pop-icon decor and swag giveaways. We’re bringing in the best local female DJs spinning all the hits you love. Step into the Hidden Lounge for House/Remix Swift songs all weekend,” it says of the event. Where: D6 Bar and Lounge inside JW Marriott Parq Vancouver — 39 Smithe Street When: December 6, 7, and 8 When: Evening until late How much: We’ve asked D6 for more details K Motionz at Village Studios This UK drum and bass artist is playing in the West End on Friday, December 6. Where: Village Studios — 1024 Davie Street When: December 6 Time: 10 pm to 2 am How much: $40 via TicketWeb Of the Trees at Hollywood Theatre Blueprint Events Bass artist Of the Trees is visiting a historic Kitsilano theatre on Saturday, December 7. Openers start sometime after doors open at 9, but Of the Trees likely won’t play until well after the Taylor Swift concert wraps up. Where: Hollywood Theatre — 3123 West Broadway When: December 7 Time: Doors at 9 pm How much:  Tickets start at $45

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Bear killed after attacking man walking with dog on Metro Vancouver trail

Bymichael

British Columbia Bear killed after attacking man walking with dog on Metro Vancouver trail B.C. conservation officers say a man was injured earlier this week when he was attacked by a black bear while he was walking his dog on a Metro Vancouver trail. The bear died in the encounter. Conservation service says people should remain vigilant during cold months, as some bears remain active CBC News · Posted: Nov 23, 2024 8:26 PM EST | Last Updated: 11 hours ago The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says a man was injured earlier this week when he was attacked by a black bear while he was walking his dog on a Metro Vancouver trail. (Robson Fletcher/CBC) A man walking his dog on a Lower Mainland trail was injured earlier this week in a black bear attack, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service says.  The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon along an off-leash dog trail near 240th Street in Maple Ridge, according to a Saturday Facebook post by the service.  Conservation officer Jordan Ferguson told CBC News the man heard a commotion behind him and turned to see his dog confronting the bear.  “He tried to grab his dog and retreat from the area, and the bear then turned his attention on him,” Ferguson said. The man then “fought with the bear,” according to the service’s Facebook post. A group of nearby anglers came to his aid and the incident ended with the man injured and the black bear dead.  How exactly the bear was killed is still being determined, but Ferguson said an examination of the scene has shown them that it was done out of self-defence and that there will be no enforcement action against anyone involved.  He said the man was treated for minor injuries and has since been released from hospital, while the dog was unscathed. The bear is undergoing a necropsy at an Abbotsford lab to determine if it was dealing with anything that would have affected its behaviour and decision to attack.  Ferguson emphasized the importance of safety precautions while exploring the outdoors, pointing out that bears in the Lower Mainland don’t “fully hibernate” due to mild winters and food availability. “When you’re going out into these natural areas, you have to be prepared to run into bears all times a year down here,” he said.  “If you’re put in the situation, the best thing you can do is try to leave the area … make yourself look big and back out.” The B.C. Conservation Foundation says people can better prevent encounters with black bears by talking and singing to avoid surprising an animal, managing attractants such as garbage, keeping pets leashed and carrying bear spray. According to the the foundation, black bears account for up to 25,000 calls to provincial conservation officers every year and “can become more assertive or destructive when they have learned to associate humans and their activities with food.” B.C. has among the highest population of black bears in the world, with the foundation estimating up to 150,000 animals live in the province. With files from CBC’s Shaurya Kshatri and The Canadian Press

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B.C. mayors greet changes to Municipal Affairs portfolio with caution and optimism

ByAlec Lazenby

Local government leaders are speaking out about their hopes for improved relations with the province on housing, infrastructure Published Nov 21, 2024  •  Last updated 46 minutes ago  •  4 minute read “My initial concern is that, will the premier have the necessary time, while being the premier, to also be the minister of municipal affairs when it comes to co-ordinating with cities?” says Langford Township Mayor Eric Woodward. Photo by Francis Georgian /PNG B.C. mayors will no longer have a single point of contact in the provincial government after the cabinet shuffle split the old Ministry of Municipal Affairs between the Office of the Premier and the new Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, led by Ravi Kahlon. Several local government leaders said Wednesday they were optimistic the changes signal a restart in municipal-provincial relations after two years of having policies, particularly around housing, dictated to them from Victoria. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content Others are cautious, wondering whether Premier David Eby will have the time to deal directly with municipal officials and wondering what role Brittny Anderson, the new minister of state for local governments and rural communities, will have. According to the province, the premier’s office will be in charge of “strategic relations and consultations with local governments, local government organizations and others.” Kahlon has been given the rest of the portfolio, including financial and other support to local governments, management of cross-government programs related to local governments, and consultation with ministries, agencies, other governments, First Nations and other interested parties. This means municipalities will have an additional avenue for outreach directly to the premier’s office through Anderson, particularly on rural issues. Money provided to municipalities and across-government work involving local governments will be under Kahlon’s purview. Langley Township Mayor Eric Woodward said it is clear the election demonstrated a desire among voters for change, particularly in the Fraser Valley where the NDP were mostly shut out by John Rustad’s Conservatives. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Article content He sees the shifts to how the province handles municipal affairs as a potentially positive step in the right direction, but warns that there are still few details about how Eby, Kahlon and Anderson will work together. “It remains to be seen what that’s going to look like, until the mandate letters come out, how that’s going to be structured. I mean, my initial concern is that, will the premier have the necessary time, while being the premier, to also be the minister of municipal affairs when it comes to co-ordinating with cities?” said Woodward. As for the new Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Woodward was more pessimistic, saying it sends “a clear message that they stand by their approach to housing” and adding he expects the province to continue imposing housing targets on municipalities, even those already feeling stress from population growth. Not all mayors agree with Woodward’s criticism of the province’s housing policies. New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone saying he understands the status quo around housing development was not working. Johnstone also believes that combining municipal affairs with housing makes sense, given it remains one of the key issues for local governments. But he said there is still a long way to go when it comes to other priorities such as schools. Article content “It’s all kind of good to build housing, but schools across B.C. are overcrowded, and unless we see some big, massive investment in those types of infrastructure, we’re just not rebuilding local communities,” he said. “So a municipal affairs minister has to have a strong voice in cabinet for a lot of the other things that cities need as well.” Kahlon said the entire point of his new role is to help municipalities build some of those needed amenities

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Insurance bureau estimates $110 million in damages from October storms in B.C.

Bymichael

The Insurance Bureau of Canada says the Category 4 atmospheric river caused “significant flood damage” to Metro Vancouver properties in Coquitlam, Burnaby, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Surrey. Author of the article: The Canadian Press Brianna Charlebois Published Nov 15, 2024  •  Last updated 39 minutes ago  •  1 minute read The Insurance Bureau of Canada says the Category 4 atmospheric river caused “significant flood damage” to Metro Vancouver properties in Coquitlam, Burnaby, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Surrey. Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS /THE CANADIAN PRESS Intense flooding that hammered B.C.’s coast last month has led to more than $110 million in insured damage claims. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says insurers have been working with clients for the last few weeks since the Category 4 atmospheric river caused “significant flood damage” to Metro Vancouver properties in Coquitlam, Burnaby, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Surrey. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content The bureau says the intense rainfall and wind resulted in overflowing rivers, sewer backups, and flooding on roads and in parking garages and basements. It prompted a local state of emergency in North Vancouver on Oct. 20. It says that while some residential flood insurance is available, it may be limited or inaccessible to some, forcing them to rely on government disaster financial assistance for their recovery. About 10 per cent of Canadian households cannot access flood insurance, and the bureau is again calling on the federal government to “fully fund” the National Flood Insurance Program. It says a national program would provide financial protection to high-risk households, and reduce disaster costs to federal and provincial government treasuries. “Rather than responding with disaster financial assistance in the aftermath of catastrophes, this program would be a proactive, cost-effective approach to managing the financial toll when disasters strike,” the bureau says in a news release. “While the federal government has committed to its creation, the program has yet to be fully funded.” It says insured losses related to severe weather in Canada now routinely exceed $3 billion annually and a new record has been set this year, reaching more than $7.7 billion. Recommended from Editorial B.C. deluge shows why cities struggle to keep up with extreme rain West Vancouver flooding raises questions about city’s maintenance practices Article content

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Here is What Those Tall Green Fins On the Highway Are Actually For

ByAlex Shoemaker

Heng Cai / 500px/Getty Images Heng Cai / 500px/Getty Images Published on Nov. 18, 2024 Discover how headlight shields reduce glare from oncoming traffic, what they look like, and how they improve night driving safety along with other helpful traffic control devices. Now Trending Have you ever driven along a highway or interstate and seen those weird green objects sticking up on top between lanes of traffic? Well, they’re not just cool roadway decor. These fins play an important role in creating a safer nighttime driving experience by reducing glare and improving lane awareness to prevent accidents. What Are Headlight Shields? Headlight shields, also known as oncoming headlight blockers, are devices installed between lanes of traffic to reduce the glare of headlights from oncoming vehicles. Especially useful in divided highways or multi-lane roads, these shields enhance nighttime driving safety by blocking intense beams of light from the opposing lane, preventing temporary “night blindness.” This momentary loss of vision can be dangerous, particularly for drivers with increased light sensitivity, and headlight shields help mitigate this issue by creating a visual barrier between lanes. What Do Headlight Shields Look Like? Headlight shields are usually vertical panels that extend above the roadway divider, with a slight curve or angle designed to intercept the beam of oncoming headlights. They often resemble a row of slim, upright paddles or slats mounted along the center line or on a highway barrier. While green and gray are the most common colors for headlight shields, they can also be seen in shades of blue or white, with colors chosen to blend with the surrounding environment or meet local visibility standards. Some shields are reflective, allowing them to be seen easily by both oncoming and same-direction drivers, helping improve overall road awareness and visibility. Are There Other Traffic Devices Like Oncoming Headlight Blockers? In addition to headlight shields, a variety of traffic control devices exist to help manage visibility and safety between lanes. Median barriers, like concrete Jersey barriers, are frequently installed to physically separate lanes of opposing traffic and can serve as a buffer against headlight glare. However, their primary purpose is crash prevention. Another common sight on highways is the installation of rumble strips along the edges of lanes. While not designed to block headlights, rumble strips alert drivers when they are veering off course, helping keep vehicles safely within their lanes. In some regions, more advanced dynamic lighting systems are being implemented. These systems use technology such as adaptive headlights, which automatically dim high beams when oncoming traffic is detected. Additionally, road studs or “cat’s eyes” are reflective markers embedded in the road surface, helping to outline lane divisions in low-visibility conditions without needing to physically block oncoming lights.

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Income needed to purchase a home in Canada drops in major cities

ByNational Trending Staff

If your home ownership dreams have been put on hold, there may be hope on the horizon as Canada’s falling interest rates are impacting how much income is needed to purchase a property. But depending on where you live, it still requires a hefty paycheque to enter the market. According to a new report from Ratehub.ca, the income needed to afford a home has fallen in 12 of 13 cities across the country. This comes after the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced a massive interest rate cut in October. The BoC dropped the rate by 50 basis points, bringing it from 4.25% to 3.75%, which many referred to as a “jumbo-sized” drop. This was the fourth announcement of 2024, and such a low rate hasn’t been seen since December 2022. According to Ratehub.ca’s Penelope Graham, “affordability conditions have been improving since June, when the Bank of Canada first started cutting its benchmark interest rate, easing mortgage costs and the pricing of other borrowing products.” RateHub Vancouver and Toronto, Canada’s most expensive cities, saw the most significant drops in the income needed to purchase a home between September and October 2024. “While both of these cities saw a robust increase in sales activity in October, they remain well supplied, which has helped keep a lid on price growth,” notes the report. Still, prospective buyers in these cities need to take home significant paycheques to get into the housing market. The income required to purchase the average home in Vancouver now stands at $214,000 annually. In Toronto, it’s slightly lower at $195,420. Moreover, Canada’s smaller cities haven’t experienced the softer prices of their larger counterparts. A drop in supply and an increase in buyer activity have resulted in prices going up, as six out of 13 markets across the country saw month-over-month price hikes. Fredericton was the only market where affordability deteriorated between September and October as home prices increased by $16,100, meaning buyers would need $1,890 more income to purchase an average property. Ratehub.ca provided an optimistic outlook for prospective buyers over the next few months as mortgage rates are expected to drop further. The overnight lending rate is predicted to drop by another 25 basis points, bringing the benchmark interest rate to 3.5%. Rates are expected to drop further in 2025. However, lower rates will likely lead to an uptick in prices as more buyers could enter the market. “The national average home price is expected to end the year largely flat at $683,200 – just a 0.9% increase – before rising 4.4% next year to $713,375,” concluded Ratehub.ca.

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